Salmonella Prompts More Nut Recalls

Two more recalls have been prompted over potentially contaminated nuts, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced. These are not the first recalls of nuts in recent days. Weâ€™ve been following the growing issue of these possible Salmonella contaminations and have reportedâ€”citing the FDAâ€”a growing number of firms recalling nuts, specifically hazelnuts, due to contamination concerns.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with the Salmonella pathogen often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e. infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis.

Hines Nut Company Recalls Pine Nuts
The FDA announced that the Hines Nut Company has initiated a recall of 270 packages of Pine Nuts packaged under the brand name Harris Teeter Farmers Market. The Pine Nuts were purchased from Red River Foods in Camarillo, California, and have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The supplier, Red River Foods, discovered the problem through routine sampling.

The recalled product was sold in 8-ounce foam trays wrapped in cellophane and carry the UPC code 0 72036 88121 0. The Pine Nuts were distributed solely to Harris Teeter Markets in North Carolina.

Consumers who purchased this product between December 30, 2009, and January 14, 2010 should contact Hines Nut Company for information on how to return the product for a refund. To date, no complaints or reported illnesses have been linked to these products.

Consumers with questions may contact Hines Nut Company at 1-214-939-0253 (Monday-Friday, 6:30 am to 3:30 pm Central Daylight Time).
PEO Chapter FO Recalls Roasted Hazelnuts
PEO Chapter FO of Ashland, Oregon is recalling 75 one-pound packages of roasted hazelnuts because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The roasted hazelnuts were distributed through two beauty salons: Victoria’s and Strand’s, both located in Ashland, Oregon.

The roasted Hazelnuts were packaged in one-pound plastic bags and labeled “Hazelnuts, Roasted $7.00.” No other codes, expiration date, or UPC is found on the package.

This recall was the result of a routine sampling of product by the FDA at the company that processes the hazelnuts for PEOâ€™s supplier. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continues its investigation as to what caused the problem.

Consumers who have purchased the roasted hazelnuts from these stores are urged to return the product and contact PEO at 1-541-482-2290, Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-3:00 pm Pacific Standard Time.